I think my betta has a split or fin rot.

First, I'm really sorry if this isn't in the right spot, I just joined today. To start, I am a first time betta and fish owner. I went yesterday and got all the stuff I needed and a fish. *I know I should've bought the tank first, it was my mistake.* The issue is, I am now seeing that the fin is torn A LOT. I didn't know this was a bad thing, and from photos I have it's been this way since we got him. I am wondering if anyone can tell me if it's normal or something to worry about. I just got him. All he has in his tank is a treasure chest (all sharp things removed), fake plants, gravel, a heater, and a filter. I am pretty scared and I'm sorry if this wasnt the right area again. He is a half moon male

You can tell if its fin rot because the edges will go a white colour. If it is damage then just keep him happy with good water quality and they will soon grow back no problem. You could always give him a fin rot treatment just in case, but as its a new set up make sure if you have any activated carbon in your filter you remove it first.
He doesn’t look massively happy in the picture, but i know bettas can sometimes just look like that. Also, some bettas are supposed to have split tails so it may be worth researching to see which type you have.

Liv15 said:

You can tell if its fin rot because the edges will go a white colour. If it is damage then just keep him happy with good water quality and they will soon grow back no problem. You could always give him a fin rot treatment just in case, but as its a new set up make sure if you have any activated carbon in your filter you remove it first.
He doesn’t look massively happy in the picture, but i know bettas can sometimes just look like that. Also, some bettas are supposed to have split tails so it may be worth researching to see which type you have.

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Yeahhh, it's been a long day for both of us. I was worried due to the uneven splitting but I don't think it's fin rotting. I'll keep an eye out and make sure he is ok.

The edges of the tail look fairly ragged, but I can't really see if there is fungus in this picture. Check any plants and decorations for sharp edges that your betta could catch his fins on and remove them. That could be the problem.

A better picture that's lit better would be appreciated for a proper diagnoses

I suggest you do a 50% - 75% water change every day for 2 weeks. Use dechlorinated water that is a similar temp to the water in your tank. Leave the fish in the tank while you do this. This is always the best treatment for damaged fins and additional medication is usually not required.

As the tank is new this is going to be needed anyway until the tank is cycled. This post explains what I mean. https://www.fishforums.net/threads/cycling-your-new-fresh-water-tank-read-this-first.421488/ Since you already have the fish adding ammonia is not an option but daily water changes are the way to deal with ammonia build up (sometimes you may see this referred to as new tank syndrome). You should get tests for ammonia and nitrites and test daily. After the 2 weeks are up do another water change any time you get a non zero reading for either substance. Unfortunately test strips do not test for ammonia. Real plants will help and provide a better environment for your fish as well. Be very careful not to over feed. Fish need a lot less food than most people assume.

EllRog said:

The edges of the tail look fairly ragged, but I can't really see if there is fungus in this picture. Check any plants and decorations for sharp edges that your betta could catch his fins on and remove them. That could be the problem.

A better picture that's lit better would be appreciated for a proper diagnoses

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HI really sorry about the bad photos, iphone 7 quality is iffy. Here is a picture of him and the tank. Thanks so much.